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From the Sidelines to the Frontlines: Essential Workers and the Gig Economy

2020 Milken Institute Global Conference

From the Sidelines to the Frontlines: Essential Workers and the Gig Economy

Thursday, October 15, 2020
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Virtual

Poor economic conditions birthed the gig economy during the 2008 financial crisis, at a time when some work was better than no work at all. In recent years, the rapid growth of the sector has prompted governments to regulate and legislate in response to concerns over numerous facets of the gig economy—namely, the classification of workers across industries. Enter 2020: Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the gig sector has provided opportunity—and relief—for those who have lost their jobs in a time of economic uncertainty. Further, many gig industries have been deemed "essential," with millions of drivers, deliverers, and builders keeping the world running. But as the gig economy is working at the frontlines of our society, we need to make sure it is working for its workforce.